Major Anti-Encroachment Drive Clears 200 Illegal Structures in Mohali
Mohali Municipal Corporation officials executed a significant anti-encroachment operation on Monday. Working jointly with the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority, they demolished approximately two hundred illegal structures in Phase 7 of the city.
Court-Ordered Action Targets Residential Areas
The drive followed specific instructions from Municipal Commissioner Parminderpal Singh. Teams focused on 'B' roads within Phase 7, using heavy machinery like JCBs to dismantle unauthorized constructions.
Officials removed railings, planters, fencing, and various other structures built outside residential property limits. They conducted thorough inspections before proceeding with demolitions.
Official Stance on Civic Order and Public Safety
Municipal authorities stated their clear objective. They aim to create a well-planned city where public roads and common utility areas remain safe and accessible for all citizens.
Officials issued a firm warning against illegal encroachments. They emphasized that no such violations would be tolerated. Legal action will be initiated against violators wherever necessary.
Residents received direct advice from the corporation. They were told not to undertake any construction beyond their property boundaries. Failure to comply would result in removal of such structures by municipal teams.
Mixed Reactions from Mohali Residents
The demolition drive generated contrasting responses from local residents. Some citizens welcomed the action as essential for improving civic order and public safety.
However, other residents expressed strong dissatisfaction. They complained about inadequate prior notice and insufficient time for compliance. Many reported financial losses, particularly where residents had invested in landscaping or fencing at personal expense.
Political Figures Voice Concerns and Criticisms
Former Mohali councillor Paramjit Singh Kahlon highlighted specific issues. He noted that several residents had developed landscaping on land adjacent to their houses. They installed fencing or grills for safety purposes beyond government footpaths.
"These improvements were demolished during the drive," Kahlon stated. "This caused significant financial losses and affected the aesthetic value of vacant government land."
Another area councillor, Anuradha Anand, and her husband Tinku Anand raised different concerns. While respecting the High Court's orders, they stressed the need for clearer policies from GMADA and MC.
"There should be absolute clarity on how much space residents can legally use beyond their properties," they emphasized. This includes specific norms for gates, fencing, hedges, and required distances from roads.
They also pointed to practical problems following demolitions. Large stretches of land now remain vacant without clear plans for cleanliness, maintenance, or repair of damaged civic infrastructure.
"Nobody has clarified who will clean the cleared areas or repair previously damaged works," they added.
Allegations of Selective Enforcement Emerge
The councillors made serious allegations about the drive's implementation. They claimed that encroachments by beggars and squatters in several areas, including Phase 7, remain untouched.
"The action seems directed only against ordinary residents who regularly pay property tax and other civic taxes," they alleged. They demanded equal and non-discriminatory action against all violators.
Historical Context of the Anti-Encroachment Campaign
This drive originates from a 2020 Punjab and Haryana High Court direction. The court ordered removal of widespread illegal encroachments throughout Mohali.
Several factors delayed implementation initially:
- The Covid-19 pandemic caused significant postponement
- 2022 elections created further delays
- GMADA issued public notices in 2023 seeking voluntary removal
- No major action followed these notices
In 2024, the petitioner filed a contempt of court case. This prompted the High Court to summon officials from GMADA, district administration, and MC. The current drive began following these legal proceedings.
Progression of the Demolition Campaign
The anti-encroachment drive has moved through various phases of Mohali:
- It initially started in Phase 4
- The operation then shifted to Phase 11 and Phase 10
- Protests and alleged influence stalled action in these areas
- The drive has now reached Phase 7, which falls under the mayor's ward
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
During a recent House meeting, former Deputy Mayor Manjit Singh Sethi named several influential individuals. He alleged their involvement in large-scale encroachments throughout the city.
While the Municipal Commissioner assured that "No one is above the law," Sethi has reiterated his concerns. He warned that the action reflects a "pick-and-choose policy" and threatened to approach the court over selective enforcement.
Continued Monitoring and Future Actions
Municipal officials confirmed that the anti-encroachment drive will continue in other sectors of Mohali in coming days. They promised sustained monitoring to ensure complete removal of all illegal encroachments throughout the city.
The corporation remains committed to implementing High Court orders while addressing resident concerns about procedure and fairness.
